Three aftershocks rattle Jammu and Kashmir

Three tremors of moderate intensity rattled Jammu and Kashmir early on Saturday morning, taking the number of aftershocks recorded in the state since last weekend's monster quake to 44 and creating panic among survivors of the disaster.

While the first tremor measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale was felt at 0108 hours and lasted for a couple of seconds, A second with an intensity of 5.2 on the Richter scale was felt at 0955 hours, the meterological department said.

The first tremor was epicentred in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and the second one on the India-Pakistan border, the met department said, adding statistical data of a third was being worked out.

Aftershocks have been experienced across Kashmir valley for three consecutive days now, forcing survivors out of their tents and makeshift shelters, fearing a repeat of the earthquake that devastated their lives and homes.

Residents of Tangdhar and Uri, which were severely hit by the quake, have been spending their nights in fear after Thursday's strong aftershock. There were no immediate reports of casualty or damage to property, official sources said.